Nomadland (2020)

Inspired by the book Nomadland: Surviving America of the Twenty-First Century, by Jessica Bruder.

Directed by Chloé Zhao; produced by Frances McDormand.

Starring professional actors Frances McDormand as Fern and David Straithairn as Dave, as well as many real-life nomads, including Bob Wells, founder of the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous and the Homes on Wheels Alliance, dedicated to the “van-dwellers” lifestyle.

Music by Ludovico Einaudi.

Winner of Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress; top prizes at both the Venice and Toronto festivals; top prizes at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, People’s Choice, and Independent Spirit Awards.

Frances McDormand as Fern

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Write a response to the film.

What does it have to say about life in America?  About life in general?

As a seasoned film studies student, you are now equipped to discuss the way the filmmaker has shot and edited the film, the use of light, colour, costumes, music, and all the other elements of film we have discussed.   Use all you have learned to write an organized, thorough, and serious appraisal of the film.  Your response should be a minimum of two pages, double spaced, or 500 words.

You may consult other sources but if you do, use them honestly, with proper academic citations.  Do not plagiarize by using someone else’s words or ideas as though they were your own.